Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has signed legislation pushed by fellow Republicans making it harder for voters to switch parties before primary elections. 

The bill signed Tuesday bars voters who register with one party from switching their affiliation from June 1 in an election year until after results from August party primaries are certified. June 1 is the candidate filing deadline in Kansas.

Current law allows voters to change their registration up to two weeks before a primary. 

Brownback signed the bill Tuesday. Republicans contend it will protect the integrity of party contests by keeping Democrats or members of other parties from changing their registration solely to influence GOP contests.

Democrats have said the bill would restrict the right of voters to participate in elections as they choose.